TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT FIRE PROTECTION HEALTH FACILITIES WATER AND SEWER SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SCHOOLS LIBRARY AIRPORT LIST OF REFERENCES CITED s FLATHEAD COUNTY COMMUNITY FACILITIES Prepared for the FLATHEAD COUNTY AREAWI DE PLANNING ORGANIZATION June 197*t 'The preparation of this document was financed in part through an urban planning grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, under provisions of Section 701 of the Housing Act of 195^ as amended. Project Nos. Montana CPA-MT-08-OQ-0054 300.3 and CPA-MT-08-00-0062 (702-D) Prepared under contract for the Department of Intergovernmental Relations, Division of Planning, State of Montana, and the Flathead County Areawlde Planning Organization." STATE DOCUMENTS CDvLS3flO* jan : ' : MONTANA STAT" UM^SY 930 E Lyndsli ftwa Helena, Montana ¥^\ Montana State Library 3 0864 1006 2843 0 I TABLE OF ILLUSTRATIONS FIGURE 1 EXPENDITURES FOR SELECTED COUNTY SERVICES FIGURE 2 FLATHEAD COUNTY COURTHOUSE COMPLEX FIGURE 3 COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS FIGURE k COLUMBIA FALLS CITY HALL FIGURE 5 WHITEFISH CITY HALL FIGURE 6 POPULATION SERVED PER DEPUTY FIGURE 7 NUMBER OF SQUARE MILES PER DEPUTY FIGURE 8 FIRE PROTECTION CAPABILITY FIGURE 9 LICENSED HEALTH FACILITIES FIGURE 10 EXISTING WATER FACILITIES FIGURE 11 ESTIMATED WATER SUPPLY NEEDS FIGURE 12 WATER FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLATHEAD COUNTY FIGURE 13 COUNTY WATER FACILITY MAP FIGURE 14 SEWER FACILITIES IN FLATHEAD COUNTY FIGURE 15 ESTIMATED NEEDS FOR SEWER TREATMENT CAPACITIES FIGURE 16 SEWER FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLATHEAD COUNTY FIGURE 17 COUNTY SEWER MAP FIGURE 18 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FIGURE 19 VALUATIONS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS FIGURE 20 TAXABLE VALUATION PER CHILD FIGURE 21 COLUMBIA FALLS LIBRARY FIGURE 22 WHITEFISH LIBRARY TABLE OF ILLUSTRATIONS CONTINUED FIGURE 23 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS FIGURE 2k FORECAST OF COMMERCIALLY SCHEDULED FLIGHT FREQUENCIES FIGURE 25 OBSTRUCTION AND APPROACH ZONES FIGURE 26 197^ COMPOSITE OF NOISE RATING CONTOURS FIGURE 27 198^+ and 199*i COMPOSITE OF NOISE RATING CONTOURS FIGURE 28 FLIGHT PATTERNS AND CRASH HAZARD AREAS mmmluaaBSMmaaB^mal^^BB^^^aa^Bag^a^mlm^mga INTRODUCTION In the past, many people as well as public officials have equated the standard of living with community facilities and services provided by local government. Most of our public facilities and services are taken for granted or are not related to current subdivision developments. People fail to realize at what expense the facilities and services are being provided. Flathead County, like other Montana counties, is experiencing a tremendous amount of subdivision activity. As of January 1, 1973, 18,256 lots have been created. Of the total number of lots created, 6,877 lots had been built upon and 11,379 lots were vacant. Urban America is attracted to the scenic open space and sparsely populated rural areas such as Flathead County. No land can escape potential subdivision. Farm land, valleys, shorelines, game ranges, swamps, flood plains may all be subdivided without an effective plan. Subdivision developments have had a profound effect on our political, social, physical and economic environments. Many people believe that growth is an element of civic pride and no-growth is "un-American", equating increased growth with an increased tax base. However, the increase in the tax base is insufficient to provide the increased services that are required, especially In rural areas. If local government does not plan, some planning will continue but within the guidelines and framework of developers, contractors and realtors. In the past, the public taxpayer had little or nothing to say about decisions and developments that would influence the community. As a result, the taxpayer assumed the cost for the lack of coordination through increased taxes, strained services and perhaps as some see it, adversely affecting the quality of life. Agricultural land has been operating under an inequitable tax structure. The original theory that "land is evidence of wealth, and the wealthy should pay more taxes than the poor" has discouraged agriculture and encouraged subdivision of rural areas. Recent greenbelt laws have attempted to relieve the tax pressures placed on agricultural land by classifying land by its productive capabilities rather than market value. The urbanization of rural areas reflects the expansion of the recreational, leisure and second home markets. Many of the recreational and second homes are becoming first homes. People moving from the urban areas to rural areas demand public facilities and services similar to those in urban areas. Local government must provide for schools, roads, public safety, water supply, sewage treatment, health facilities. In order to provide necessary public improvements, many public officials in rural areas of Flathead County have selected bonded indebted- ness as a solution. Many of the rural school districts have felt the impact of urbanization and are bonded to capacity. Although the taxable valuation is increased, it has not offset capital expenditures of the districts. For example, new growth and urbanization require new roads, bridges and increased maintenance. Road and bridge expenditures for the fiscal 1973-7^ year were well over one million dollars. The rural areas are served by refuse container sites for disposal of solid waste. Increased urbanization would certainly strain services, possibly making it uneconomical for the county to haul refuse to the land- fill sites. As a result, taxes would be increased or refuse collection turned over to commercial haulers. Other services affected by urbanization include police and fire protection. The sheriff's department is operating at a high deputy per population ratio, one deputy for every 1,292 people. Of course, additional sheriff department staff requires additional tax support. Many of the rural fire districts lack equipment and facilities to cope with increased populations. The majority of rural fire districts are taxed locally. Even with the additional tax support, insurance rates will not necessarily be lowered, since only minimal fire protection is provided. Below are a few of the county services and cost per capita for the 1973-7^ fiscal year. However, some of these services, such as library and solid waste disposal, do generate a certain amount of revenue to offset operating costs. FIGURE 1 EXPENDITURES FOR SELECTED COUNTY SERVICES FUND Bridge and Road Ai rport Library Solid Waste Management Sheriff Nursing Home BUDGET (1973-7*0 $1,279,149 137,297 189,357 277,081 310,525 337,628 COST PER CAPITA $31.50 3.38 4.66 6.82 7.65 8.32 If the present trend of urbanization of rural areas continues in Flathead County, some realistic approach must be undertaken to minimize the impact on community facilities. The question is not "How do we control or put a stop to growth", but rather "How do we plan for growth that will eventually occur". One alternative is to cluster residential developments. In contrast to a community spread out on 2 to 20 acre tracts, "WWHffiMlfflr'""" ::. clustering makes it possible to serve a community more economically. The clustering approach is not only a feasible economic solution, but much more realistic for the protection and preservation of the physical environment. Further attention should be given to a more detailed cost- revenue analysis of providing community facilities and services. .,._.;.;. Mi MvtMMmsmrmnBimmfwm""mmm ■™^^™^^^"^— ^^"^ LOCAL GOVERNMENT Flathead County Courthouse Complex The Flathead County Courthouse adequately accommodated county government and services for many years. Landscaping around the building and beaut if i cat ion of adjacent parks as well as accommodation of local government were part of the original courthouse design, reducing the impact of courthouse related activity on the adjoining residential neighborhoods. However, population growth which has amounted to 55% since 19^0 in Flathead County, and an expanding scope of services at the county level has required expansion of the courthouse facility. During the past two years, construction of the East, West and South Annexes has more than doubled available office space. In order to efficiently utilize the South Annex, office space should be allocated on the basis of specific departmental space needs. A functionally designed courthouse should be constructed to replace the old outmoded structure. Additional effort should be made to improve traffic circulation and provide more off-street, parki ng areas. All future expansion by county government should minimize disruption and maximize benefits within the affected neighborhoods. ^^MMMMMa^^M^H^BMK^ FIGURE 2 FLATHEAD COUNTY COURTHOUSE COMPLEX BUILDING Courthouse First Floor Appraisal Office Plat Room Audi tor Surveyor Second Floor Clerk of Court Clerk and Recorder Treasurer Third Floor Court Rooms District Judge Judges Chambers Juven i le Court East Annex First Floor Data Processing Section Refuse Disposal District Second Floor Extension Office County Agent Justice of the Peace West Annex First Floor YEAR BUILT 1902 CONDITION poor SQUARE FEET M75 1972 good 1,936 1972 (remodeled 197^) good 1,900 Commissi oners Second Floor County Attorney South Annex First Floor Welfare Office Superintendent of County Schools Second Floor Assessor Motor Vehicles Drivers License Office 1973 good 3,^04 Flathead County Fairgrounds The original fairground building was constructed in 1902 on a ]h acre site at the intersection of Highway 2 West and Meridian Road. For many years this site satisfactorily accommodated the needs of residents partic- ipating in the fair program. However, increased population growth in the county has also resulted in increased fair participation, straining the existing facility. Residential and commercial growth in adjacent areas prohibits expansion of the fairgrounds. Additional traffic generated at fair time is particularly hazardous. An alternative site should be considered for relocation of the fairgrounds that would minimize traffic hazards, provided for increased fair participation and include space for recreational vehicle and proper sanitation facilities. FIGURE 3 COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS STRUCTURE SQUARE FEET Grand Stand 19,800 Bleechers 4,400 Exhibit Bui lding 3,600 Agricultural Building 6,720 Horse Stables 6,696 Beef Barn 6,000 Livestock Barns Grounds Keeper's House , Concession Stands Race Track Columbia Falls City Hal 1 The Anaconda Company donated its company employees' building to the City of Columbia Falls on December 9, 1972. Constructed in 1956, the building is in good condition. The County Library leases part of the building for a branch library through a 20 year agreement with the City. The library section is adequate for present library services and has additional space for future audio visual equipment and storage. Located in an easily accessible, high activity center for community use, the city hall provides 17,500 square feet of floor space for city government and services. If additional space is needed in the future, a smaller amount of space could be allocated to the police judge's office which is as large as the Council Chamber. FIGURE k COLUMBIA FALLS CITY HALL Mayor Recreation Room City Clerk Police Department Water and Sewer Superintendent Police Judge Street Superintendent "" Council Chamber Fire Department Conference Room Library Whitefish City Hall The Whitefish City Hall, built in 1957, is easily accessible in a good central location. The structure which is in good condition has two stories and a daylight basement, providing 14,000 square feet of space for eity government and services. The second floor is used by the Whitefish Library. However, there is no space for library expansion available in the city hall complex. FIGURE 5 WHITEFISH CITY HALL Mayor Fire Department Clerk Treasurer Library Water Department Council Room Police Department Two Conference Rooms B^HHHBHH^HOI^^nHHBUrail«HKH»BHUQHBUHUUBnB LAW ENFORCEMENT County Sheriff's Department The County Sheriff's Department has a staff of 27 people: 21 deputies, 2 administrative, 2 plainclothes and 2 civil deputies. Three of the deputies are located in Whitefish, Coram and Bigfork. Since there are no sheriff's facilities located in these areas, the deputies are dispatched by radio from the Kalispell office. A deputy is dispatched to Glacier International Airport daily to supervise the morning and evening flights. Staffed with 21 deputies, the department serves a population of approximately 28,000 people. This is roughly one patrolman for every 1,292 people. The national recommended ratio is one patrolman for every 500 people. Other Montana counties had the following ratios as of the 1970 census. The County Sheriff's Department is located at the County Courthouse complex in Kalispell. The department is housed by a building built in . 1902, with a new detention wing built in 197**. The original structure is considered inadequate and outmoded for present law enforcement needs and services. The older two-story structure has a detention capacity of 28 people. In 197^ the new detention wing was built at a cost of $118,000. The county funded $53,000 of the project and the National Law Enforcement Assistance Agency funded the remaining $65,000. The new wing improved the previous detention facility, making it possible to hold 12 prisoners at 2 per cell. The new facility gives the department an overall detention capacity of kO people. The new facility is designed to accommodate an additional upstairs deck and eventually be part of a new department building as funds become available. Major department equipment include 7 patrol cars and 1 four wheel drive vehicle. B^j^n^gmHgBBHHBBHH^^^HHHgBHroBi^nivmraHHH^^ni^BH COUNTY SHERIFF'S POPULATION DEPARTMENT 5 SERVED Yel lows tone 30 Deputies Cascade 25 Deputies Missoula 33 Deputies Si 1 ve r Bow 28 Deputies Lewi s hark 16 Deputies Gal latin 17 Deputies Flathead 21 Deputies 21,332 20,999 28,463 18,613 8,900 9,768 27,1^ POPULATION SERVED PER DEPUTY I 800 1 1000 1 1200 1 lto A 710 i»Jil.iiWilt»iii^»,.».ii|ipJr«H!''J'-^^V-ll'll'-l,'».'l^'l'l'-l^l''J»ll-,i,'"llM.t(.j|a *:.-^^^a^»-*^l^<^YfiiifrrJ[:1^**^^**M^^™ 1 836 862 ji;. -«WW1.-L!il'.)" WJiJ.41 -MPHWUUU'.WpiWBwyfllijwjiiMM^iiji, -*m T'^illm^l■Hf-■Ja■"-t'^-'-i|:^^f^'*^^1"'^a:JI'^a^-^1'''^^^■''*■, 629 !UJ 1U.I.)«JMJH.PHI II «MJ I' ,.\? HI 1 l|^l.-v rniTitiifiif T I -■"'"»■' """»" 556 niMijtN^fi.Ljfi nf^"mn^n^np ..^.^..^^-^-^^ . A^.^^^,rta^s7ifcJabfaMfcS 57A l^'^»w>«'»»i'wi'Mig'ulH-jtf-|p»i.wLMl»u''*'TO^^^^ ^^jj^^i^^^i^jj^^aafaa^^^^^^ 1,292 County Square Mi les ^^^^HWH^HH^HagnosiaramnHa^HBanBHH^B^^^^BHHnHI^HHlbMflttiiraKSI^^^n^^^j . Columbia Falls Police Department The Columbia Falls Police Department serves a population of slightly more than 3,000 people with a staff of twelve. The staff includes 5 patrolmen, 1 administrative person, 5 dispatchers and 1 part-time patrolman. The ratio of patrolman per population is good, one patrolman for every 600 people. The department, located at the city hall complex, has approximately 2,500 square feet, 3 jail cells with 96 square feet per cell, and a detention capacity of 6 people. The building is in good condition with adequate operating and detention space. The department has 2 patrol cars. Whitefish Police Department The police department has a staff of-seven that serves a population of about 3,500 people. The department is located at the city hall complex and is in good condition. There are 8 jail cells with about 90 square feet per cell and a detention capacity of 20 people. The department does not have a 2k hour dispatching service and presently utilizes the answering services of a local hotel and railroad office. The City is considering another possibility for an answering service and for a faster means of dispatch. The 3,500 population served by the police department reflects a favorable patrolman per population ratio of one patrolman for every , 500 people. ^nraara^^UH^uii^Hm^KHgranua^HiiHiiiiiii i FIRE PROTECTION Volunteer fire districts have been established in Columbia Falls, Whitefish and the unincorporated areas of Flathead County. In order to furnish fire protection for property within the district, Montana law grants the district authority to provide adequate fire fighting apparatus, equipment, housing and facilities. In addition, the district has authority to request special fire district levies. Volunteer Fire Districts Bad Rock The district serves approximately 3,000 people. Equipment includes one pumper and one 3,000 gallon tanker truck. The fire bureau rating is 10. Distance to the nearest fire station is 7 miles. Big Mountain (Newly created) Bi gfork The district serves a population of slightly over 2,700 people. The town of Bigfork and an area within about a one mile radius has a fire bureau rating of class 6. The remaining district area is rated class 9. The volunteer force presently has 28 firemen, one 750 gpm pumper truck, one 1,000 gallon tanker truck and one fire rescue van. The distance to the next fire station is 3i miles. The fire district is a tax supported operation. The population of the area is growing and will necessitate the need for additional manpower and equipment. There are plans for an additional truck. Columb ia Fal Is The district serves a population of over 3,000 people. A new fire station was recently completed in May 1 974. The new facility has 4,000 square feet of floor space and a vehicle capacity of eleven. Presently the district has 28 volunteers, one 750 gpm pumper truck, one 4,000 gallon tanker truck, one stand-by ambulance and one utility van. The district has stated the need for an additional pumper truck. The distance to the nearest fire station is 3 miles. The Columbia Falls city limits has a fire rating of 6, while the high school area is rated class 7 and the remaining area in the district a class 10. Coram The district serves a population of about 1,500 people. The fire station building is inadequate for effective fire protection. A new building is needed to house both fire trucks and equipment. The existing structure is only capable of housing one truck and a limited amount of equipment. Additional equipment such as a tanker truck, portable pumps and fire masks are also needed. Between 5 and 20 volunteer firemen answer to fire calls. Rolling stock include one 1,900 gallon truck and one 750 gallon truck. The district is not a tax district and is not eligible for i revenue sharing funds. The Coram area has definite equipment and building needs in order to offer minimal fire protection. The district has a fire bureau rating of class 10. Creston The fire district serves about 1,500 people. The district has one 250 gpm pumper truck, one 500 gpm pumper truck and one 4,000 gallon tanker truck. There are 9 volunteer firemen answering to fire calls. The district has plans to add a satellite station in the Lake Blaine-Mounta in Brook area. The new station would be located south of the lake and house one of the district's two pumpers. The district believes a pumper in that area could reach a fire in the northern area of the district five minutes faster. About 10 volunteers from that area would be needed to operate the area. It is believed that with the new station and tanker truck, the district fire bureau rating would move from a class 10 rating to a class 8. The Creston fire department is approximately 10 miles from the Bigfork fire department. Ferndale Because of the seasonal nature of the area residents, between 500 to 850 people are served by the district. The district is tax supported by both Flathead and Lake County. There a're 19 volunteer firemen operating one 350 gallon pumper truck and one 600 gallon tanker truck. The district is in need of additional man power, equipment and building space. Growth in the area is increasing, making additional requirements on fire protection. The fire rating bureau rates the district as a class 10. The Bigfork fire department is 3i miles from the Ferndale f i re department. Hung-ry Horse The district serves a population of slightly over 550 people. A volunteer force of 19 firemen operate one 350 gallon truck and one 750 truck. Man power, equipment and floor space is considered adequate at the present time. Operating as a tax district, it has a fire rating of class 8 in zone 1, 9 in zone 2 and 10 in the remaining area. The distance to the nearest fire station is one mile. ■■ ■ ,^mjs&jsm Martin City The district serves a population of about 900. A volunteer force of 26 firemen operate a 750 gpm pumper and a 500 gpm pumper truck. Manpower, equipment and floor space is adequate, however, a tax district was formed to meet future needs resulting from population growth and to establish a fire bureau rating. Distance to the nearest fire station is one mile. Olney The district serves an estimated population of slightly over 250 people. There are 12 volunteer firemen operat i ng wi th one 250 gpm pumper truck and one 1,000 gallon tanker truck. Additional manpower is needed as well as a new building or an expansion of the existing structure. A problem exists with the numbers of peopl e "] i vi ng on leased land from the state. The residents on state land are not in the tax district and wish to receive fire protection from the district. The district has offered to serve the leasees by contract agreement, but such an agreement is presently unacceptable to the people concerned. The district has a class 10 fire rating. Smith Val ley The district serves a population of slightly over 600 people. The 1 district has two 500 gpm pumper trucks, one 2,000 gallon tanker truck and one equipment van. An application for a loan from the Farmers Home Administration was recently submitted. If the loan is approved, a second fire station would be built on land owned by the district on Highway 2. Additional fire fighting equipment would be purchased and the military vans would be converted to tanker trucks. One of the pumper trucks is located ■■■■■,.■■--- :■■■ --■■■■■■: at a private residence on Foys Lake Road. The additional fire station and equipment would possibly lower the fire bureau rating from a class 10 to a class 8. Somers The district serves a population of about ^,000 people. Equipment includes one 750 gpm pumper truck, one 250 gpm .pumper truck and one ^,000 gallon tanker truck. Presently, the district has plans to build a second station at Lakeside. An additional 10 men and fire fighting equipment will be needed at the new location, i The fire bureau rating for Somers and a radius of one mile from town is a class 8. The remaining area is rated class 9- The new facility in Lakeside could improve the overall district rating to class 8. The distance to the next nearest fire stat ion i s 5 mi les . South Kal i spel 1 The district was recently annexed with the East Kalispell district. Fire protection is now provided for a population of about 1 7500 people. Fire protection is provided by 20 volunteer firemen, one 1,500 gallon tanker truck and one 1,000 gallon tanker truck. There are plans to purchase a 750 gpm pumper truck since the 1,000 gallon tanker is on i loan from the State Forestry department. A tax district funds the area fire protection which should have been substantially increased by the merger. Fire bureau rating is a class 10. The distance to the nearest fire station is 2 miles. The district is in need of an additional 10 volunteer fire fighters. ... ■ ■ ■. ■■ .., .. ■■:■ West Val ley The district serves a population of between 1,500 and 1,800 people. There are 19 volunteer firemen operating with two 750 gpm pumper trucks and one 250 gpm pumper truck. Additional radio equipment, safety equip- ment, manpower and an additional updated pumper truck are needed by the district. The district is rated class 10. Distance to the nearest fire stat ion is 85 mi les . Whi tef ish The city fire department serves a population of approximately 7,000 people. Residents within the Whitefish city limits are under a special city fire tax. Those residents basically within a five mile radius of town are served on an individual contract basis. Major equipment include one 1,250 gpm pumper truck, one 750 pumper truck, one 500 gpm pumper truck, one back-up ambulance and one regular ambulance. There are 25 volunteer firemen presently on fire call. District representatives have stated the need for an additional tanker truck and a smaller truck. It has also been stated that with the increased growth rate, it may be necessary to hire a full-time skeleton staff and seek other means of financial support. The present fire protection system, in relation to the area being served, would probably be more efficient if'an areawide fire district were established. The city limits of Whitefish has a class 6 rating. A small section on Birch Point and Birch Drive are rated class 9 while the remaining area is class 10. Fire protection for Kalispell in the ki mile jurisdictional area is included in the Kalispell Comprehensive Plan. IMflHiiiiiTlMrBWimiltWWlllWI^MTIlliTI^BIMIllllMIMlDlll MmmmtMmmmtmmmmiiik FIGURE 8 FIRE PROTECTION CAPABILITY FIRE POPULATION DISTRICT SERVED Bad Rock 3,000 Big Mountain Bigfork 2,700 Columbia Fa 1 Is 3,000 Coram 1,500 Creston 1,500 Evergreen 5,000 Ferndale 850 Hungry Horse 550 Martin City 900 Olney 250 Smith Valley 600 Somers and 3,000 Lakeside South Kalispel 1 1 ,500 West Glacier West Valley 1,800 Whitefish 7,000 PERSONNEL 2S ' 28 28 20 9 27 19 19 26 12 31 20 19 25 MAJOR EQUIPMENT pumper (not rated) 3,000 gal Ion tanker ■ 750 gpm truck ■ 1 ,000 gal Ion tanker fire and rescue van 750 gpm pumper 4,000 gal Ion tanker ut i 1 i ty truck stand-by ambulance 1 ,900 gal Ion tanker 750 gal Ion tanker 250 gpm truck 500 gpm pumper 4,000 gal Ion tanker 1 ,000 gpm truck ut i 1 i ty truck 350 gpm pumper 600 gal Ion "tanker 350 gpm truck 750 gpm truck 750 gpm pumper 500 gpm pumper 250 gpm pumper 1 ,000 gal Ion tanker 500 gpm pumpers 2,000 gal Ion tanker equipment van 750 gpm pumper 300 gpm pumper 4,000 gal Ion tanker 300 gpm portable p,ump 1,500 gallon tanker 1 ,000 gal Ion tanker portable pumps 250 gpm truck 750 gpm truck 250 gpm pumper 750 gpm pumper 1,250 gallon pumper 750 gal Ion pumper 500 gal Ion pumper van-backup ambulance ambulance FIRE DISTANCE TO CLASSIFICATION NEAREST FIRE RATING STATION 10 Zone No. 1 = 6 Zone No. 2=9 Zone No. 1 =6 Zone No. 2=7 Rema i nder (10) 10 10 7 - 9 10 Zone No. 1 Zone No. 2 10 10 8 9 10 2 mi les 3 mi les 3 mi les 2 mi les 10 mi les 3i mi les 1 mi le 1 mile 17 mi les 5 mi les Zone No. 1 = 8 5 mi les Zone No. 2=9 10 2 mi les 7 = park hq. h mi les 9 = town 10 8£ mi les Zone No. 1=6 7 mi les Zone No. 2=9 Remai nder (10) HEALTH FACILITIES The county will have adequate hospital facilities with the completion of the new hospital in Kalispell. With the additional fifty beds added to Immanuel Lutheran Home, the county will have adequate nursing home facilities. Colonial Manor Nursing Home had an occupancy rate of 58.7% and could easily absorb additional patients. Some of the health facilities have a very high rate of occupancy, which might be cause for alarm. Nursing home occupancy rates should not fall below 85% to 90% in order for the facility to operate at a profit. Hospital occupancy rates should operate at a minimum of 65% to 70% capacity, depending on government funding and other factors. FIGURE 9 (1) LICENSED HEALTH FACILITIES HOSPITALS North Val ley Hospital Whitefish, Montana LICENSED CAPACITY AS OF 1-197^ 50 beds OCCUPANCY RATES 1971 1972 1973 56.9% 6^.9% 58.9% All existing beds are in conformance with existing federal regulations. The hospital has received approval from Northwestern Areawide Health Planning Agency and the State Department of Health and Environmental Sciences to construct 50| addi t ional nursing home beds, of which 25 will be skilled nursing home beds and 25 intermediate care beds. The certificate is valid from April 197^ to April 1975. Flathead Health Center, Inc. Kal i spel 1 , Montana 8k beds 70.1% 75.1% 75.5S The hospital has received a certificate of approval to replace the existing antiquated non-conforming hospital with a new 91 bed facility on Buffalo Hill. The approval is valid until February 1975. MHHI1HIM.— 1...I— -. FIGURE 9 (CONTINUED) NURSING HOMES Flathead County Nursing Home Route #6 Kal ispel 1 , Montana TOTAL LICENSED CAPACITY 66 LICENSED SKILLED NURSING HOME BEDS h3 LICENSED INTERMEDIATE CARE BEDS 17 Occupancy Rates: 1971 = 100.11 1972 = 95.8% 1973 = 9^.5% Immanuel Lutheran Home Crestl ine Avenue Kal i spel 1 , Montana 89 53 36 Occupancy Rates: 1971 = 98.4* 1972 - 98.8% 1973 ■ 98.8% Bigfork Convalescent Center 65 P. 0. Box 278 Bigfork, Montana Montana Veterans Home P. 0. Box 250 Columbia Falls, Montana h0 Occupancy Rates: No occupancy data, ko Occupancy Rates: Opened April 1972 = 70% 1973 = 121% 20 25 20 Colonial Manor Nursing Home 60 110 20 East Seventh Street P. 0. Box 5^6 Whitefish, Montana , Occupancy Rates: Opened 1973 ■ 58.7% NOTES: 1.) The Montana Veterans Home is of special distinction in the Flathead service area because it does not actually serve the general population, but instead primarily serves the Veterans in Montana. It is not considered in the bed need for the Flathead County service area. 2.) Immanuel Lutheran Home was given a certificate of approval to construct an additional fifty beds, 25 to be skilled nursing home beds and 25 to be intermediate care beds. This certificate of approval is valid until April 1975. Unless stated, all beds conform to federal regulations. WATER AND SEWER The implementation of programs that will improve the quality of lakes and rivers and protect shorelines must be the concern of all governmental jurisdictions in Flathead County. Pollution controls contribute toward maintenance of high quality water standards for water supply, recreational uses and retention of wildlife. Cooperative effort should be made to meet the requirements of the Federal Water Quality Act. Studies have been completed which identify water and sewer problems within Flathead County. The recommendations proposed in these studies deserve the immediate attention of the entire community. However, it will require coordinated action to meet the demands of water oriented uses and achieve high quality water standards. Water Quality and Subdivision Activity A recent survey of an area between Bigfork and Echo Lake was recently conducted by Dr. Richard Konizeski, hydrologist, and the Department of Natural Resources. The following statements relate- to subdivision activity and water quality: 1. "The rate of subdivision growth greatly exceeds known estimates and is proceeding without sufficient regulation, zoning or any form of , • „(2) plann ing." 2. "Developers are selling land unseen and are misleading purchasers concerning the availability of water supplies and the ability of the land (2) to be used for individual sewage disposal." 3- "Extensive subdivision activity is occuring in aquifer recharge areas. Extensive road construction, housing and other cultural activities (2) may alter the quality and quantity of ground water." "■ k. "Total development of the Kettle Lakes area, as presently planned, will speed eutroph i cat ion of those lakes unless collective sewage (2) systems are installed." 5. "Subdivision development on flood plains is occur I ng which is (2) totally incompatible with the flood plain concept." (3) FIGURE 10 EXISTING WATER FACILITIES LOCATION POPULATION SERVED OWNER FACILITIES SOURCE STORAGE CAPA SOURCE GPM CITIES STORAGE MG Whi tef ish 2 ,965 City Spring area Lake pump Reservoi r None 1,000 2,000 9-5 None Col umbia Fal Is 3 ,000 City Cedar and Crystal Cr. 2 wel 1 s Reservoi r None N/A 1 ,000 1.28 None Bi gfork 618 Paci fie Power & Light 2 wel Is Ground tank 750 0.25 Hungry Horse 584 Federa 1 Wel 1-pump Ground tank 600 0.15 Wi 1 lows Mangan (aux. power) Wel 1 -pumps Sand Cr. Ground tank Reservoi r 575 800 0.06 1.28 Martin City 315 Baeth 3 wel Is None N/A None Coram 346 Water users Water users Spri ng-pump on time clock Spri ng-pneu- matic pump Elev. wood tank None N/A N/A 0.06 None Somers West Glacier Col . Heights 615 Mi lne 153 West Gl Merc. 126 Steel Worrall Lake & Pump Elev. tank (aux. power) wooden standby Spring area None Wel 1 & Pump None Wel 1 & Pump None 1,500 0.10 250 0.10 kO None kO None (3) FIGURE 11 ESTIMATED WATER SUPPLY NEEDS EXISTING 5 - 10 YR PLAN 10 - 20 YR PLAN TOTAL TOTAL ESTIMATED NEEDS ESTIMATED NEEDS SUPPLY STORAGE PEAK USE PEAK USE MGD 4.40 MG POPULATION 9.5 3,500 MGD 1.40 POPULATION 4,200 MGD Whi tef ish 1.68 Adj. Whitefish 3,000 1.20 Col. Falls ].kk 1.28 3,000 1.20 4,000 1.60 Adj. Col. Falls 3,000 1.20 Col . Heights 0.11 None 140 0.09 500 0.20 Hungry Horse 2.85 1 .49 640 0.26 800 0.32 Martin City N/A None 530 0.21 710 0.28 Coram N/A 0.06 350 0.14 500 0.20 Bi gfork 1.08 0.25 790 0.32 1,070 0'.44 Sorners 2.14 0.20 1,150 0.46 1,540 0.63 West Glacier 0.36 None 600 0.2-4 1 ,000 0.40 Half Moon 100 0.07 100 0.07 Kila 90 0.06 90 0.06 Lakes ide 660 - 0.26 890 0.36 01 ney 160 0.10 160 0.10 Mo un t a i n V i ew 170 0.10 400 0.16 Lake Blaine 140 0.09 400 0.16 Essex 70 0.05 70 0.05 Marion 400 0.16 600 0.24 McGregor Lake 200 0.11 300 0.15 Lower Stillwater Lake 50 0.04 100 0.07 Creston 75 0.05 300 0.15 Area 4 mi les west of Kal i spel 1 150 0.09 400 0.16 Area 4.5 mi les southeast of Whi tef ish 50 0.04 300 0.15 Swan River 45 0.03 Holt 30 0.02 Mountain Brook 60 0.04 Ferndale 60 0.04 Montford School area 50 0.04 Rose Crossing 150 , 0.09 Between Columbia Falls and Whi tef i sh 300 0.15 Between Half Moon and Rose Crossing 150 0.09 North of Sorners 150 0.09 Water Facilities Recommendations "The water systems serving the more densely populated areas should provide fire flows based on the population within the residential areas, in accordance with the Montana Fire Rating Bureau's recommendation of 500 gpm mi nimum." "For small rural community water systems, a flow of 2 gpm per family is recommended." "Rural water systems without fire protection are adequate for Creston, Lower Stillwater Lake, an area four to five miles west of Kalispell and an area four to five miles southeast of Whitefish. Based on five to ten year estimated needs." "Recommend expansion of water systems of Whitefish and Columbia Falls to serve the areas adjacent to their city limits." "The ten to twenty year estimated needs for Swan River, Holt, Mountain Brook, Ferndale, Montford School, Rose Crossing, an area between Columbia Falls and Whitefish, an area between Half Moon and Rose Crossing, and an area north of Somers include providing water systems consisting of storage, treatment, distribution, but not to include fire protection." "Recommend that the water systems of Columbia Falls and Columbia Heights be combined into one system." "Recommend that a common water system be shared by Hungry Horse, Martin City and Coram." Columbia Falls Water The City of Columbia Falls is concerned about the source and quality of its drinking water. The city derives its water supply from a combination surface water supply and ground water supply. Presently, chlorination (3) FIGURE 12 WATER FACILITIES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLATHEAD COUNTY McGregor Lake Mar ion Kila Lakes ide Somers 3 Mi les SE Kalispell 2 Mi les W Kalispell 6 Miles W Kal ispel 1 i Mi le NW Mud Lake Creston Strawberry Lake on Hwy 2 (USFS) 2 Miles E Evergreen 1 Mile N Kalispell Lake Blaine Mountain View LaSal le Area 5 Miles S Whitefish 3 Miles S Whitefish Valentine School Whitefish Area Olney Lower Stillwater Area Half Moon Columbia Falls Area Hungry Horse Martin City Coram West Glacier Essex Bigfork 5-10 YEAR NEEDS Well or booster pump Well or booster pump Well or booster pump Water treatment plant, storage tank Storage tank Storage tank Storage tank, well or booster Storage tank, reservoir Storage tank, well or booster 10-20 YEAR NEEDS Storage tank Well or booster pumps Reservoi r Reservoi r Well or booster pump Well or booster pump Storage tanks (2) Storage tank Well or booster pump Well or booster pump Water treatment plant, well or booster pump, storage tank, reservoi r Well or booster pump, ( storage tank Storage tank, well or booster pump Well or booster pump Well or booster pump, storage tank, reservoir Storage tank, well or booster pump Storage tank Storage tanks (2), well or booster pump Storage tank Well or booster pump, water storage tank Well or booster pump Water well or booster pump, storage tank I If ■*• ••'-'-' — ■■- FLATHEAD COUNTY, MONTANA ■-■./ t ^-g-rlV"Ki -IV' TJTl • ift tf5K^ " ■ is the only form of treatment used for both water sources. The surface water source has had problems with taste and odor. There is also some concern over the quality and quantity of ground water sources. A water treatment plant is considered economically unfeasible at the present time. The following recommendations were made by R i eke-Car rol 1 -Mul 1 er Associates, 1973, concerning the Columbia Falls water supply: 1. "Determine desirability of rehabilitating existing city wells." 2. "Continue to utilize and monitor the surface water supply to the maximum extent possible." 3. "Do more "In House" monitoring and record keeping of the water supply system and its operation." Sewer Faci 1 i ties (V FIGURE IV ' SEWER FACILITIES IN FLATHEAD COUNTY DAILY FLOW POPULATION DISCHARGE BOD LOCATION TYPE CAPACITY (MGD) REMOVAL Whitefish Lagoons 3,936 .29 13. h% Bigfork Trickling Filter 200 .08 95S(est.) Columbia Falls Tertiary 3,000 (approx. ) .20 98.9%(potential ) Lakeside AFB Closed Lagoon System 160 None 100% Lake McDonald Trickling Filter Seasonal .1 90% Lodge Big Mountain Aerated Lagoon - - - ■MM— MM™— «i»IM ■■■■■! Big Mountain On April 2^, 197*1, the Big Mountain Sewer District submitted an application to the Farmers Home Administration requesting a federal loan. The district is seeking $326,680 under the "Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities" program, Farmers Home Administration, 10. M8. The federal funds would be used for a project that would consist of sewage collection, piping and treatment for the Big Mountain Sewer District near Whitefish, Montana. A supplementary report on the "Interim Sanitary Sewer Improvements for Big Mountain Sewer District" was prepared by Turnbull and Plummer, Inc., 197^. The summary and recommendations of this report should be consulted for future consideration. Bigfork The trickling filter system has leakage and drainage problems caused by improper construction. Repairs are needed to remedy the faulty construction and maintain satisfactory sewage treatment. Col umbia Fal Is The Columbia Falls waste water treatment plant and collection system was completed in 1970. The system includes a tertiary treatment plan, 16 miles of sewer mains and k lift stations of various sizes and capacities. The treatment plant utilizes an activated sludge process, capable of handling 0.5 MGD. Presently, the treatment plant is treating about .200 MGD, The treatment plant has experienced some operational difficulties, but is considered an excellent facility, capable of 98.9% BOD removal. Just slightly over 50% of the Columbia Falls residences are on the treatment system. Because of the reluctance to change from a private septic system to the city treatment system, the residents of Columbia Falls will be charged a "users" fee by November 197**, whether they are connected to the system or not. The system does not include residents living outside the Columbia Falls city limits. Unfortunately, industrial wastes are not being treated by the plant at this time. Since there are no storm sewers within the City, storm water is not handled by the treatment plant. The Columbia Falls sewer superintendent estimated the present facility would have to be expanded in 15 to 20 years. Lakeside AFB The Air Force has recently spent more than $70,000 improving the sanitary sewer system. Recent sewer improvements include: $2,000 to seal sewer mains on the base, $62,000 to line the bottom of two lagoons and $7,^00 for a spray irrigation system. Whitef ish The Whitefish sewage facility consists of two lagoons in series. A recent study of the Flathead drainage states that the Whitefish facility has a nonaerated lagoon system which is subject to severe fluctuations in efficiency caused by climatic changes and that the efficiency probably improved during the warm summer months but may drop well below 50% during cold months of winter. The study recommends at least an aerated system. Because of recent changes in federal policies, studies of existing sanitary systems are required to evaluate infiltration and excess sewage flows prior to any funding for sewage treatment facilities. Morrison and Mairle, Inc. is preparing such a study which should be completed by May 1975. a. M»lJBBl,-,.ill-ii (3) FIGURE 15 ESTIMATED NEEDS FOR SEWER TREATMENT CAPACITIES EXISTING 5-10 YR ESTIMATED 10-20 YR ESTIMATED SERVICE TREATMENT NEEDS NEEDS AREA CAPACITY POPULATION TOTAL FLOW POPULATION TOTAL FLOW MGD ' Whitefish 0.29 3,500 Adj. Whitefish Columbia Fa 1 Is 0.50 3,000 Adj. Columbia Falls Columbia Heights 140 Hungry Horse 640 Martin City 530 Coram 350 Half Moon 100 Ki la 90 Somers 1,150 Bigfork , 0.08 790 Lakeside 660 Olney 160 West Glacier 600 Mountain View 170 Lake Blaine 140 Essex 70 Marion 400 McGregor Lake 200 Lower Stillwater Lake 200 Area 4 Mi les W of Kalispell 150 Rose Crossing Creston Mountain Brook Area Holt - — Echo Lake Swan River Ferndale Montford School South of Whitefish GPCD - gallons per capita per day gpm - gallons per minute MG - mi 1 lion gal Ions MGD - million gallons per day MGD MGD 0.35 4,200ci ty 0.42 1,500rural 0.15 0.30 4, 000c i ty 0.40 1 ,500rural 0.15 0.01 500 0.05 0.06 700 0.07 0.05 710 0.07 0.04 470 0.05 0.01 100 0.01 0.01 90 0.01 0.12 1,540 0.15 0.08 1,070 0.11 0.07 890 0.09 0.02 1 60 0.02 0.06 1,000 0.10 0.02 400 0.04 „ 0.01 400 0.04 0.01 70 0.01 0.04 600 0.06 0.02 300 0.03 0.02 300 0.03 0.02 400 0.04 150 0.02 300 0.03 60 0.01 30 0.01 150 0.02 45 0.01 60 0.01 50 0.01 200 0.02 (3) FIGURE 16 SEWER FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FLATHEAD COUNTY McGregor Lake Marion Kila Lakes ide Somers Bigfork Ferndale Swan River School Area Creston Mountain Brook 2 Miles NE Echo Lake Lake Blaine Mountain View Fairview Area 2 Miles S of Ai rport on Hwy 206 Whi tef ish Area Olney Stillwater Lake Half Moon Columbia Falls Area Columbia Heights Hungry Horse Martin City Coram West Glacier Essex 5-10 YEAR NEEDS Booster stations, treatment plants at Paradise Lodge and Bosvert Camp, 2 of each Booster stations (5), lagoon I Lagoon Pumping station, treatment plant (7) Booster stations (6), lagoon Pumping stations (6) 10-20 YEAR NEEDS booster stations Lagoon Booster stations (2), lagoon Lagoon Treatment lagoons (2), pumping stations (k) Lagoon Treatment plant i Lagoon Completed treatment plant, booster station Lagoon Lagoon Lagoon Lagoon Treatment plant, pumping station Lagoon Booster stations (2) Booster stations (2) Lagoon Lagoon Lagoon Treatment Plant Lagoon Booster station Booster station, lagoons (2) Lagoon Lagoon Booster stations (2) Booster stations Booster station I FLATHEAD COUNTY, J LEGEND Residcnti-1 Area "*"1 Comprehensive Planning Area Boundary Planning Area Exclusions 5-10YR. 10-20YR. EXISTING EST.NEEDS B EST.NEEDS 111 D Sewage Treatment Plant O ■ ® ® Lagoon A & Detailed Or Booster Station ( ) C ) Sewage Service Area 1 Are! Larger Scale Map COUNTY SEWER MAP SCALE IN MILES (0 * 8 •'.'J^^^aamMammmmmmmm^mt ^■■^■■■■i^U Whitefish and Whitefish Lake Sewer Recommendations In June 1973, Thomas, Dean and Hoskins, Inc. released the "Whitefish Sanitary Sewer Study". The study submitted the following recommendations: 1. "If development is to continue in the Big Mountain area, the City of Whitefish will eventually have to abandon this drainage (Creek No. 1 drainage) as a source of water supply. Creek Nos. 2 and 3 drainages should be excluded from land developments and preserved as a source of water supply for the City of Whitefish." 2. "Additional treatment will be required for any surface water supply." 3. "A study should be made to determine the amount of water that is available in each drainage and to investigate the possibility of developing wells as an alternate source of supply." k. "Continued growth and development along Whitefish Lake and on Big Mountain will require additional water supplies." 5. "The tests (dye tests) have shown that sewage in many cases is reaching the lake (Whitefish) from the individual septic tank drai nf ields .' SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Flathead County's solid waste disposal program consists of one central sanitary landfill, one satellite landfill and fifteen refuse disposal container sites. The main landfill site covers eighty acres and is located approximately seven miles north of Kalispell. The satellite landfill site is located near West Glacier and consists of about ten acres. The site is public, however, individual "dumpers" are encouraged to use the container sites and limit the landfill site to commercial dampers. All solid waste collected by the county and private collectors is handled at the central and satellite sanitary landf i 1 1 sites . At the present rate of use, the main landfill site is estimated to have usefulness of 15 to 20 years. The satellite site is estimated to be in operation for 10 to 15 years. These estimates are based upon the existing refuse loads and current population trends. The county also has 75 refuse disposal containers located on 15 sites throughout the rural areas. Normally, there are three to eight containers at each site. Each container has an eight yard capacity. The containers are emptied on a daily basis by a county packer truck. Presently, the refuse disposal district employs 15 people. Major equipment includes two packer trucks, one D9 caterpillar, two smaller caterpillars and one gravel truck. The City of Whitefish offers refuse collection once a week to residential users and daily service to the business district. One truck with a crew of three handle routine service. For emergencies or extended holidays, a second truck and additional man power are pressed into service, Refuse collected by the City is hauled to the central county sanitary landf i 11 si te. Other cities and towns in the county are served by either private collectors or the container sites. It is recommended that the sanitary landfill sites be periodically inspected to accurately estimate their future life span. Increased population growth, current package trends, use of nonreturnable containers and the general rise in affluency in our society could shorten the usefulness or life span of the sanitary landfill sites. Junk Vehicle Disposal Program The problem of junk vehicles is not a new one to the county, state or the rest of the nation. Since the early beginning of automobile history, an alarming number of junk or abandoned vehicles have accumulated. In the State of Montana alone, it is estimated that approximately 25,000 automobiles each year are not re-registered. Abandoned junk vehicles have littered highways and streets. They have been dumped in or near lakes, rivers and streams; pushed over cliffs; used as chicken coops and disposed of by many other unsuitable methods. Recognizing the seriousness of the abandoned junk vehicle, the 1973 Montana State Legislature passed House Bill No. 112. The bill's intention is the following: "An act providing for the licensing and regulation of motor vehicle wrecking facilities; Controlling junk vehicles in nonwrecking yard locations; The establishment of motor vehicle graveyard facilities, RCM 19^*7, to permit the licensing of junk yards by the Department of Health and Environmental Sciences; And the Establishment of an effective date". '- —-.-'J mmBM *. B |l i HIIIMHIIM^— I In compliance with the new state law, the Flathead County Junk Vehicle Disposal Program was established. The program is funded by license fees collected in the county. Five dollars of. the license fee goes to the state for administrative costs. Part of the administrative costs include supplying the counties with a vehicle crusher. One additional dollar goes to the state, which is paid back to the counties in the form of a grant. Since July 1, 1973, junk autos were hauled free of charge to the main landfill site and a temporary site in Columbia Falls. Once the main site has 200 junk vehicles, the state solicits bids from private firms for crushing and transporting the vehicles. As of July 1, 197^, all junk vehicles will be hauled to the landfill site at the owners expense. Those junk vehicles not taken to the landfill site have the following options: (1) They must be licensed and operable, or (2) Effectively screened from view, or (3) Considered a vintage or antique vehicle. Before the county program was initiated, there were an estimated 1,300 junk vehicles in Flathead County. As of June 1, 197^, an estimated 800 junk vehicles had been received at the landfill site. ^^^^^^^^^Mitr-"- ■ ■ L.. .. ■ ■■■■ ■ ■■■:. -.'■■ ■■- SCHOOLS Flathead County is organized into four high school districts and twenty-four elementary districts (one non operating) with enrollment of 10,706 students from a population area of approximately ^3 , A68 . The County Superintendent provides liason between the various districts and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction with administrative, recordkeeping and fiscal duties which are defined by state statute. Many phases of school operation are automatically carried out by the General Sch.ool Laws of the State of Montana. All of the Montana laws governing school operation are reflected in school policy. However, legislation provides for a Board of Trustees to establish policies at the local level. Curriculum and plan of operation provide community focus while meeting the diverse social and educational needs of the public school population. Every school board, unless otherwise specially provided by law, has the power and responsibility to provide buildings necessary to the operation of the schools of the district as well as to provide for maintenance and operation. The general fund of the school district which finances maintenance and operational costs of the district may be supplemented by the permissive levy and additional voted levies, according to provisions of the Revised Codes of Montana 75-6923 , for the following purposes: 1.) building, altering, repairing or enlarging any school house of the district; 2.) furnishing additional school facilities for the district; 3.) acquisition of land for the district; k.) proper maintenance and operation of the school programs of the district. jaTajJoaiajja.-ii-a^iB""^"--^'^-;' Population growth, 3% between 1 970-7^ in Flathead County, accompanied by increased subdivision activity has strained school district budgets. Studies indicate that improved lots do not pay enough taxes to compensate for increased school enrollments. School districts are concerned about the potential decrease in assessed valuation per pupil as the approximately 18,000 unimproved lots within Flathead County are improved. In order to provide funds and facilities for the anticipated school population, alternative approaches which include consolidation of school districts and consideration of a 6-3-3 school system should be investigated. Bigfork School District Bigfork Elementary The elementary school was built in the early 1900's and designed to accommodate 1 50 students. In 1973~7^ school year, 276 students were enrolled. To compensate for the increased enrollment, the school audi torium was pressed into service to accommodate the sixth grade class and grades one and two have been consolidated. The school is structurally inadequate, and has been damaged by a fire the end of last school year. Construction of a new elementary school building is underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of next year. The superintendent of Bigfork Schools stated that even with the new building, the school will be near or at capacity enrollment when it opens. Use of the present elementary building is uncertain after the new facility is completed. If enrollment continues to increase, it may be pressed into service. To complicate the situation, Bigfork Elementary District is presently bonded to capacity. Ferndale Elementary The Ferndale school accommodates grades one through six. Enrollment for the ' 73-7^ school year ended with 53 students, just 7 below capacity. The school was originally annexed into the Bigfork District because of the lack of space to accommodate the seventh and eighth grade classes, which are now bused to Bigfork. The building is in good shape, but very close to enrollment capacity. Bigfork High School Bigfork High School was built in 1963 to accommodate 175 students, however, ending enrollment for the ' 73~7^ school year was 235 students. The high school is located with the elementary school on a 23 acre site. Because of the increased enrollment, students are being doubled up on lockers and classrooms. Unlike the elementary school, the high school is not bonded to capacity and is building up its bonding fund. The Bigfork School District is experiencing increased enrollment due to the number of new subdivisions, which are not sufficiently increasing the tax base to compensate for rising enrollment. The district's economic base is almost entirely seasonal recreation and services related to recreation. Many of the residents are retired or seasonal, again attributing to a financial problem for the school district. Columbia Falls School District The Columbia Falls school district covers the largest area in Flathead County. The town of Columbia Falls has one elementary, one junior high school and one senior high school. The district also has elementary school sites in Hungry Horse, Martin City, Coram, West Glacier and Essex. Columbia Falls Elementary The elementary school in Columbia Falls was built in 1952 and improved in 1955- The seventh and eighth graders are housed in a section within the same building complex built in 1 9^0. An annex directly behind the school serves as a sixth grade classroom. The elementary section of the building is in good condition. The seventh and eighth grade section is in fair condition. Enrollment for grades one through six was 3,896, 250 over capacity for the present school building. Grades three and four operated half day shifts during the 1973-72* school year. Grades seven and eight had an enrollment of 423 students for the 1973~7^ school year, which is at capacity level. Recently, voters in the Columbia Falls school district approved a bond issue to build a new eight classroom bui lding. Columbia Falls High School Columbia Falls High School was built in 1959 and is in good condition. Housing grades nine to twelve, the school had 792 students for the 1973-72* school year. The school was originally designed for 600 students, but for the past six years has been operating with about 200 students over the capacity figure. The high school is limited in space for home rooms and office space for teachers. 1 Canyon Schools Coram The school, built in 19^8, is in poor condition. The 1973-74 enrollment was 64 students for grades one to six; 84 students is the school's capacity. School children in grades seven to twelve are bused to Columbia Fa] Is . Essex Built in 1955, the school is in good condition. Because of its isolated location to the school district and county, the school has grades one to eight. Although the school can accommodate 32 students, the enrollment for 1973-74 was only 14 students. High school children in the area attend either Columbia Falls High School or schools where they may have relatives in other towns. Hungry Horse The school, a frame structure built in 1948 and improved in 1949, is in poor condition. The school has grades one to six, while children in grades seven to twelve are bused to Columbia Falls. Although the 1973-74 enrollment was 63 students, the school can accommodate 89 students. Martin City The school, built in 1948, is in poor condition. Enrollment of grades one to six for 1973-74 was 74 students; capacity of the building is 80 students. School children in grades seven to twelve are bused to Co 1 umb i a Falls West Glacier The school was built in 1961 and is in good condition. Enrollment for 1973-74 was 53 students; capacity enrollment is 73 students. School children in grades seven to twelve are bused to Columbia Falls. Rural Elementary Districts Batavia The district's 1973~74 enrollment was 63 students for grades one through eight; capacity enrollment is figured at 100 students. The present facility, built in 1900 and enlarged in 1961 , is in good condition. Boorman The original school building which was erected in 1903 and remodeled in 195& is in good condition. Enrollment for the past school year was 33, which is only 7 below estimated operating capacity. Cayuse Prairie The original school building which was built in 1964 and remodeled in 1971, is located on three acres and is in good condition. Enrollment for the past school year was 95 students, 20 below capacity. In the past three years the district has realized an increased enrollment of nearly k0%. Additional growth would require additional facilities. Creston The school building, built in the early 1900's, is in fair condition. The district operates with grades one through eight and can accommodate 60 students. The district, had 43 students for the 1973-74 school year. The district is faced with the question of erecting a new building, adding a new section or possible consolidation. The Many Lakes development could definitely generate increased enrollment. Deer Park The district operates grades one through eight with 72 students for the 1973-7^ school year. The present building was built in 1902 and has received major additions in 1910, 1951 and 1 967 - The building is in good condition. The capacity enrollment is 70 students. Because of overcrowded conditions, students are in the halls. In order to alleviate the crowded situation, the district is considering alternatives such as the purchase of modular sections to temporarily reduce the strains of increased enrollment. Demersvi 1 le The original building was built in 'the early 1900's and was improved in 1967. The structure is considered in good condition, capable of holding 100 students in four classrooms. The district finished the 1973-7^ school year with an enrollment of 61 students. Fai r-Mont-Egan The 1968 building which is in good condition was built to accommodate 150 students. The ending 1973-7^ enrollment was 85 students. Helena Flats The district concluded the 1973_7** school year with 106 students. The original building was built in 1910 and since then has added several additions. Capacity enrollment is 130 students. Hodgson The district enrollment for 1973"7^ was 23 students with capacity enrollment estimated at kO students. The existing school, built in the early 1900's, is in fair condition. The school site has an acreage deficiency, with only one acre for the site. camaM«aiM«anm!«aMi Ki la The district's 1973-74 ending enrollment figure was 65, which is at or near capacity. Crowded conditions have made it necessary to use the lunchroom as a classroom. The school building is in fair condition. Lakes i de The original structure was built in 1955, two classrooms were added in 1963 and two more classrooms and a gym in 1972. The district finished the 1973-7^ school year with 120 students. The present building is designed to accommodate 140 students. The building does, have a drainage problem with runoff occasionally filling the basement. The older section is in fair condition; the new section is in good condition. Marion The district had 57 students for the 1973~7^ school year; capacity enrollment is 70 students. The building, built in 1930 and enlarged in 1955 and 1964, is in good condition. Mountain Brook The original structure, built in 1900 and remodeled in 1967, is in fair condition. The 1973-74 enrollment figure was 48 students; capacity is estimated at 75 students. 1 Olney-Bissel 1 The district has a school in both Olney and Bissell. The Olney school serves grades one through eight in a building built in the early 1900's. The condition of the building is good. Olney which had 51 students the 1973-74 school year has a capacity of 72 students. The ■■HHH«HHgg^; Bissell school has added two portable mobile home classrooms. The condition of the building is good. The 1973~7A school enrollment was kH students; 75 is considered capacity. Pleasant Val ley The district concluded the 1973~7^ school year with 18 students. The original building which was constructed in 1959 is in good condition. Capacity enrollment is 18. Somers The original building which is in good condition was built in 1952 and improved in 1962*. Serving grades one through eight, the school's enrollment finished the 1973-7^ school year with 210 students. The school has an enrollment capacity of 3^0 students. Swan River The final enrollment for the 1973-7^ school year was 3k students, near the 100 student capacity. The school building which is in good condition was built in 1900 and added two classrooms in 1967. West Valley The district finished the 1973-7^ school year with 12^ students, having a peak enrollment of 131 during the year; capacity enrollment for the existing structures is 175 students. The original school building was built in 1962 and a new section built in 1973. The new structure has seven finished and two unfinished classrooms. Completion of the two unfinished classrooms would raise the enrollment capacity to 225 students. Cost of finishing the two classrooms was estimated at about $35,000. The district also has a gym built in I966 which is in good condition however the gym does not have any plumbing for shower or locker room facilities. With the new building, the district is presently bonded to capacity. Whitefish School District Whitefish school district has one elementary, one junior high school and one senior high school. Whitefish Elementary The elementary school accommodates grades one through four with an enrollment capacity of about 600 students. The school's 1973-74 school enrollment was 1,157 students. The school building is in good condition. Grades five and six are located on the top floor of the junior high school building, which also includes grades seven, eight and nine. The junior high school building is in fair condition, with the exception of plumbing and heating problems. The building is estimated to have an enrollment capacity of 800 students. The 1973-72* school enrollment was 800 students. The junior high school also has a new gymnasium built in 1973. Whitefish High School Whitefish high school is located on a 20 acre site near the elementary school. The school provides classroom space for grades ten through twelve, with an enrollment capacity of about 480 students. The enrollment for the 1973-74 school year was 653 students. The building is in good condition. The school district is presently in the planning stages of developing a new vo-tech center. Present plans would be for a two-story structure of about 30,000 square feet located behind the high school. * School districts for Kalispell in the ki mile jurisdictional area are included in the Kalispell Comprehensive Plan. ™™"^— ™" ™1™™™ i^-.^^-,- :-.^- --^^ --: ;-' -' :---- ■■' ■»-■ (5) FIGURE 18 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT 1970 1973 % CHANGE 1 West Valley 107 127 + 19% 2 Deer Park hi 72 +532 3 Fai r-Mont-Egan 79 83 + 52 4 Swan River 86 89 + 32 6 Columbia Falls 1,621 1,595 - 22 9 C res ton 50 47 - 62 10 Cayuse Prairie 69 95 +38% 14 Demersville 69 57 -172 15 Helena Flats 103 104 + 12 20 Kila 58 63 + 92 26 Batavia 76 55 -282 27 Pleasant Val ley 13 15 + 152 28 Hodgson 22 23 + 52 29 Somers 221 195 -122 30 Lakeside 136 105 -232 38 Bigfork 214 259 +212 39 Boorman 33 31 - 62 44 Whitefish 1,189 1,157 - 32 54 Marion 55 59 + 72 58 Olney 74 95 +262 62 Mountain Brook 61 48 -212 Columbia Falls High School 748 787 + 52 Bigfork High School 203 230 +132 Whitefish High School 548 653 + 192 FIGURE 19^ VALUATIONS OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS West Val ley 1970 1973 877,682 % CHANGE 1 596,035 + 47% 2 Deer Park 227,982 280,688 +23% 3 Fai r-Mont-Egan 510,847 624,070 +22% 4 Swan River 416,215 547,381 +32% 6 Columbia Falls 14,817,167 14,670,508 - 1% 9 Creston 392,182 367,361 - 6% 10 Cayuse Prairie 237,355 525,961 + 122% \h Demersvi 1 1 e 318,285 384,297 +21% 15 Helena Flats 361,591 385,046 + 6% 20 Ki la 221,526 587,449 + 165% 26 Batavia 163,568 255,744 +56% 27 Pleasant Val ley 403,369 541,291 +34% 28 Hodgson 206,562 219,446 + 6% 29 Somers 757,169 1,054,689 +39% 30 Lakeside 1,117,795 1,278,572 +14% 38 Bigfork 1,182,437 1,689,730 +43% 39 Boorman 81,172 113,790 +40% 44 Whiter ish 4,993,264 6,143,261 +23% 54 Marion 682,129 956,267 +40% 58 Olney 371,853 430,366 +16% 62 Mountain Brook 66,474 105,087 +58% Columbia Falls High School 16,087,189 16,138,433 +.003% Bigfork High School 3,392,254 2,554,638 -25% Whitefish High School 5,365,117 6,573,627 + 2% FIGURE 20 TAXABLE VALUATION PER CHILD 1970 1973 % CHANGE 1 West Valley $ 5,570.42 $ 6,910.89 +24% 2 Deer Park 4,850.68 3,898.44 -20% 3 Fai r-Mont-Egan 6,466.42 7,518.92 + 16% k Swan River 4,839.71 6,150.35 +27% 6 Columbia Falls 9,924.57 10,118.14 + 2% 9 C res ton 6,583.64 7,816.19 + 19% 10 Cayuse Prai rie 3,439.93 5,536.43 +61% 14 Demersvi 1 le 4,612.83 6,742.05 +46% 15 Helena Flats 3,510.59 3,702.37 + 5% 20 Kila 3,819-41 9,324.59 + 144% 26 Batavia 2,152.21 4,649.89 + 116% 27 Pleasant Valley 31,028.38 36,086.07 + 16% 28 Hodgson 9,389.18 9,541.13 + 2% 29 Somers 4,295.63 5,408.66 +26% 30 Lakes ide 8,219.08 12,176.88 +48% 38 Bigfork 9,372.49 10,348.30 + 10% 39 Boor man 2,459.76 3,670.65 +49% 44 Whitefish 4,199.55 5,309.65 +26% 54 Marion 12,402.35 16,207.92 +31% 58 Olney 6,135.85 5,811.46 - 5% 62 Mountain Brook 1,089.74 2,189.31 + 101% Columbia Falls High School 21,507.65 20,506.26 - 5% Bigfork High School 16,710.61 11,107.12 -34% Whitefish High School 9,790.36 10,066.81 + 3% LIBRARY Main Branch Flathead County Free Library is located in Kalispell. In addition, one bookmobile offers library services to the rural areas of the county. With one exception, Whitefish, Flathead County Free Library provides service to the entire county. Whitefish supports its own library through a separate tax district. The main library is centrally located in Kalispell in what was the United States Post Office. It is now owned by School^ District 5, which uses the third floor for administrative offices and the basement for storage. The structure was originally erected in 1 9 1 6 and remodeled in 1968 to house the present library facility. The first two stories of the building are being utilized to capacity by the library. The total floor space involved is 11,500 square feet. Since moving to the structure, service has increased 250 percent as compared to an annual average increase of 35 percent for similar operations. A staff of 13 persons is currently doing the work of 28 persons in libraries of comparable size. Book stocks for Flathead Valley Community College are kept in the main library and purchases made by the college or the library are not duplicated by the other. All purchases are counted as one inventory which is available to everyone. To date, book stocks consist of 101,616 volumes under 5^,590 titles. The college collection totals 5,323 volumes under ^,391 titles. ■■■MIIMMMM — mmmammmmmm^^amm^^^m^m^m 1 1| ..-, ■ ,■■ ■ ■ ■;.:,-: Limited audio-visual equipment, pictures, photo copy equipment and records and tapes are available to the public. No micro-form equipment or individual audio equipment is available, both of which are considered to be a part of properly functioning modern library. The library has one bookmobile which services the rural areas of the county on a regularly scheduled basis. In following the established schedule, the bookmobile makes a complete trip once every seven weeks. Increased service to rural areas is desirable and provisions should be made by the Flathead County Library Board for a form of augmented service that can be worked into the program. As existing floor space is being fully utilized at the library, the most pressing need is for more space. The space requirements for new equipment and inventories could be supplied by constructing an addition to the building. Columbia Falls The county library system operates a branch library at the Columbia Falls city hall complex. Operating under a twenty year lease with the city, the county appropriates all funds for books, staff salaries and maintenance of the library. Interior space requirements are sufficient for present services, storage and book demands. There is, however, limited room for increasing the book stock and restricted capabilities for expanding the present bui Iding. The library is located within the activity center of town, making it easily accessible and convenient for the community. FIGURE 21 COLUMBIA FALLS LIBRARY The Library Building: Good condition, built in 1956. Additional space available for audio-visual center. Seating space for 2k adults and 8 children. Library Program : 12,000 to 15,000 volumes. 8,338 patrons signed, 2,000-2,500 books circulated. Talking books for the handicapped. Summer reading program for children. Story hour for pre-school children during the winter, At present, no audio-visual operations. Local art on display. One full-time and one part-time employee. Whitefish Library The Whitefish library is located in the second floor of the city hall building. The library is supported by a separate city tax district. However, the county does pay a monthly fee.of $175 in return for service to the upper Flathead County Area. Limited space does not allow for additional book shelves or expansion of table and seating areas. The library is located within the activity section of town and is easily accessible and convenient for community use. FIGURE 22 WHITEFISH LIBRARY The Library Building: Good condition. Limited operating space for additional shelving. No additional room for expansion. Seating space for 23 adults and 18 children. Library Program : 16,889 volumes (1972-73). 30,669 books circulated during 1972-73. Summer reading program for grades 1 to 6. Artist of the month display. Talking books and enlarged print books from the State Library. Films ordered from the State Library System. No audio-visual equipment. Two full-time and three part-time employees. ^''-vaBaiHHBiBBBa^^l^BHHHHHBHHHiaHMHHHB^L^ . „ AIRPORT Glacier Park International Airport The airport site is centrally located eleven miles from Whitefish and seven miles from Kalispell and Columbia Falls to serve Flathead County and surrounding areas. The National Airport System Plan classified the airport as a medium, feeder airport having less than 50,000 enplaned passengers and between 20,000 to 100,000 aircraft operations annually. The airfield facilities in use at the airport are listed in Figure 23. The airport site includes an administration building, a terminal facility, fourteen T-type hangars and two larger hangars. The administra- tive building is a frame structure with 1,320 square feet of floor space. The terminal building has two aircraft gate positions and about 1,500 square feet of floor space. Hughes Air West has an office in the terminal building to handle passenger and air freight operations. There are two scheduled flights daily by Hughes Air West, the only major airline service operating at the airport. Recently, Frontier Airlines was given permission to begin operations November 1, 1974. The airport provides facilities for air carrier, general aviation, tourism, agriculture, fire control (USFS, NPS) , business, government, charter and pleasure. Recreation and tourism are believed to be the largest identifiable sectors of future aircraft growth. An air service study by TAP, Incorporated indicates that the airport board will need to increase the frequency of commercially scheduled flights to meet the increasing demand for air service. mmmmmmmmm:-.- ■ ^^BHea^wM^£^o^HBBrainnHa«BiUiraBaulWHlHBffiBUH3Slalsi (6) Runways length width surface strength 1 ights Taxiways i separat ion 1 ights Navigational Aids Approach Surfaces FIGUR : 23 EXISTING CHARACTERISTICS 1/19 U/29 7/25 8000' 4722' 4662' 150' 150' 150' asphal t asphal t asphal t 100,000#DWG 6,000#DWG 6,000#DWG HI RL NONE NONE paral lei NONE NONE 400' NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE ILS, MALS- NONE NONE RAIL, VOR 50:1 37:1/20:1 37:1/20:1 The "Glacier Park International Airport Air Service Study" July 1972 by TAP, Incorporated, should be consulted in reviewing future physical facilities recommendations. The airport board is working with the US Forest Service in expanding facilities for fire control. There is also the possibility of forming an airport authority, capable of issuing bonds. The bonds would be used to build a new administration building, replacing the present inadequate structure. In order to accommodate increased air traffic, additional equipment including a FAA control tower should be considered. H3HBHMHHHUHH1 ■ j^sHBHua The airport board is reviewing a land use plan for the airport prepared by Isbill Airport Consultants. The plan has identified noise contours, obstruction areas, crash hazard zones and flight patterns. These are important determinants that will be used as planning tools in developing a land use plan and some form of land use control for the future protection of the airport facility. FIGURE 24(7) FORECAST OF COMMERCIALLY SCHEDULED FLIGHT FREQUENCIES A. If projected new development at the Big Mountain and other developments are completed, the following will be required: 1975 1980 Estimated Passenger Or ig J nat i ons 37,684 75,534 Type Ai rcraf t DC-9 DC-9 Probable Frequency 6 10 B. If new development at Big Mountain or other developments do not proceed, the following would be required: 1975 1980 Estimated Passenger Or i ginat ions 16,579 24,720 Type Ai rcraf t DC-9 DC-9 Probable Frequency 2 4 4 6 DCS. MX.R. ) on. KtJt. GLACIER PARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KALISPELL, MONTANA OBSTRUCTION AND APPROACH ZONES PART 77 GLACIER PARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT KALISPELL. MONTANA FLISHT PATTERNS AND CRASH HAZARD AREAS m . — s V LIST OF REFERENCES CITED 1. Communication with Northwestern Montana Areawide Heal th Planni ng Council. Missoula, Montana. 2. Biological Research. 197*1. Flathead Land Use and Water Quality. University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. 3. Thomas, Dean and Hoskins. 1968. County Water and Sewer Plan. **. Biological Research. 197*K Land Use and Water Quality in Flathead Drai nage. University of Montana, Missoula, Montana. 5- Flathead County Superintendent. 1 970~ 73 . Flathead County Schools Statistical Bulletin. 6. Iskill Associates. 197^. Glacier International Airport Land Use Plan. 7. TAP, Incorporated. 1972. The Glacier Park International Airport Ai r Service Study.